What Do Football, Soccer and Political Science Have in Common? An MJC Legacy

While serving in the USMC (R), I attended MJC and played football during the fall of 1986. At the end of the season I was prepared to activate full-time into the Marine Corps. Head Football Coach Dick Loyd convinced me to stay for another season. With the help of Coach Loyd, I received a full football scholarship to Cal State Fullerton. But the best part of my MJC story is that while I was playing football I noticed a young woman on the soccer team. The next day in Mr. Siefkin’s political science class, she walked in and sat down next to me. We just celebrated our 25th anniversary, have raised six children and have both graduated with our bachelor’s degrees. I also hold a master’s degree in teaching.

Five of my six children have started their college careers in the California Community College system. My career path followed Dick Loyd’s and I began coaching football at MJC in 1997. I was an assistant coach and part-time faculty member until 2002. I was hired in 2003 as the Head Football Coach for Mendocino College where I served for 8 ½ years.

I am who I am because of MJC. The legacy of this family would not have happened were it not for great people like Dick Loyd and the MJC staff. My marriage, children, and grandchildren would not be here if I did not stick around and play football for another year. Thank you MJC.

- Thomas Gang, Class of 1987